On February 25th and 26th at The Boulders Resort in Carefree, The Boulder’s Women’s Golf Association (BWGA) held its 13th Annual Breast Cancer Tournament, which raised more than $50,000 for The Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH). This local non- profit organization provides women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the opportunity to receive a second opinion regarding their treatment options, completely free of charge. Boulder’s members, Ellen Cohen and Patti Bell, chaired the event.

 A cause near and dear to the BWGA, their sister tennis team and the Boulders community, the response from those associated was inspiring. In fact, this marked growth for the annual event as it expanded to add a festive cocktail party with a live and silent auction the night prior to the tournament and a day of round-robin tennis matches. The golf tournament and tennis matches were followed by a fabulous luncheon that was entirely pink themed. Ellen Cohen, the event co-chair, welcomed and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication. Guest speaker Linda Rose, AIBH’s current Governing Board President, shared her personal story of breast cancer survival and her own experience of going through AIBH as a patient. “AIBH is very pleased and honored to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from this unique and amazing event,” said Linda.

 As a special surprise, the BWGA purchased and donated 100 DVD copies of “The Next Step...Restorative Exercises after Breast Cancer” for AIBH to give to their patients. The innovative concept was developed by Nancy Hewitt, a veteran producer and friend of a Boulder’s member, who partnered with certified cancer exercise specialist Lisa Gulotta to launch a gentle, custom exercise program for women during their breast cancer journey.

 “There is no other non-profit organization in the country like AIBH,” said Dr. Coral Quiet of Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists, co-founder of AIBH. “This unique medical panel was formed by a consortium of medical professionals who are breast cancer experts.  ABIH was created to give women the opportunity to receive information and education about the best possible treatment for their specific breast cancer.” The Institute strongly believes in providing women, “options before decisions”.

“More than 4000 women in Arizona will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year,” said Cohen. “We are proud to help raise funds that directly help our local women in their time of need.”